Student Spotlight: Rosalinda Chipollini

July 22, 2021

Soon-to-be University of Arizona College of Nursing alumna Rosalinda Chipollini chose to pursue a career in nursing for a time-honored reason: because she always wanted to help people – particularly society’s most vulnerable members. Currently enrolled in the College’s RN to MSN Clinical Systems Leadership program, she will graduate in August 2021. Prior to her latest educational endeavors Chipollini worked as a nurse for 12 years before deciding she wished to further her education in a non-clinical role. After seeing a newspaper advertisement for the program, she was immediately interested. “A lot of my peers graduated from UArizona Nursing,” she says. “They spoke very highly of their Wildcat Nurse experience and were very talented bedside nurses.”


“I believe it is important to support community organizations which inspire people to grow and achieve their goals. I was so influenced by my experience at UArizona Nursing, I want to give others the same opportunity to experience a University of Arizona education,” ~ Rosalinda Chipollini, RN to MSN Clinical Systems Leadership Student


How would you describe your experience over the course of the program?

My experience with UArizona Nursing’s CSL has been exceptional. Every faculty member I have encountered has created a conducive learning environment. Questions are always encouraged, and students are never criticized when sharing their opinions or experiences. Faculty members are supportive of all needs students may have, even those outside of the education realm. I felt the program’s curriculum helped me discover my strengths and weaknesses. This self-discovery helped to reignite my passion for the nursing profession.

What faculty made the biggest impressions on you?

All of them? If I had to name three off the top of my head: Cheryl Lacasse, Kim Blumenfeld, and Dr. Timian Godfrey.  These faculty members were inspiring, thought provoking, honest, patient, and passionate.

Can you share a favorite memory from your time at the College of Nursing?

My favorite College of Nursing memory involves taking graduation photos on campus. In May, the scholarship program I am involved with asked all nursing student graduates to take graduation photos on campus. I was the only graduate student. I was dressed very conservatively and had a serious, untalkative attitude. The baccalaureate students were dressed casually and could not hide their extreme excitement. Their joy to become nurses was palpable. I couldn’t help but laugh and remember how I excited I was when I earned my BSN. They shared their positive energy with me, and I made amazing memories that day. 

What makes you proudest about the work you do?

I am proud to be a nurse because I am part of a profession which practices compassion every day and always serves every community member.

You recently honored the UArizona Nursing with a generous financial gift. What inspired you to give back to the College?

I believe it is important to support community organizations which inspire people to grow and achieve their goals. I was so influenced by my experience at UArizona Nursing, I want to give others the same opportunity to experience a University of Arizona education.

What are your hopes for the future?

After graduation, I am going to continue my UArizona Nursing education in the DNP Executive Health Systems Leadership program. Ultimately, I hope to work with the federal government drafting healthcare policies aimed at serving the underserved population.